Omer Yurtseven returns to NC State for sophomore season

The Turkish center will remove his name from the NBA draft

North Carolina State Wolfpack center Omer Yurtseven (14) and North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Lennard Freeman (1) leap in the air as Yurtseven is introduced before the college basketball game against Wake Forest at PNC Arena in Raleigh

Omer Yurtseven will withdraw his name from consideration from the NBA draft and return to NC State for his sophomore season, the Turkish center announced Wednesday. Yurtseven declared for the draft without hiring an agent in April, and took part in the NBA combine and team workouts before making the decision to spend another year with the Wolfpack. A huge part of that decision had to do with the hiring of Kevin Keatts.”I feel like I have a special relationship with (Head) Coach (Kevin) Keatts, which is one of the main reasons I decided to return,” Yurtseven told NC State athletics. “I’m grateful to all of the NBA teams that brought me in for workouts, helped me through this process and provided valuable feedback. That being said, I’m excited to return to NC State and play, and continue to improve under Coach Keatts and our staff next season.”In 22 games played and 14 starts last season, the 7-foot center averaged 5.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. His season high came with 16 points in a win over Rider Dec. 28, and he picked up his fist double-double with 12 points and 16 rebound in a win over Pittsburgh Jan. 17.”I’m certainly happy that Omer has made the decision to return to NC State,” Keatts said. “He is a dedicated student, first and foremost, and I know furthering his education is a priority to him. I’m excited to be a part of his continued development as a player. “His skill set is a great fit for our system and style of play, and I look forward seeing Omer further develop.”Yurtseven’s decision comes after the surprising news that forward Ted Kapita would hire an agent and stay in the pro ranks, and gives Keatts another big man on next year’s roster to go with senior forwards Abdul-Malik Abu and Lennard Freeman.

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